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LEO BASILE: CHANGING LIVES AND TEACHING HEALTHY LIFESTYLE HABITS WITH DISCIPLINE 180

“One week of Discipline 180” takes place in the St.Bernard Parish Public School system

NEW ORLEANS – September 30, 2004 – When Leo Basile made the commitment to get fit more than five years ago, he had no idea where it would take him.  Since 1999, Leo has lost 180 pounds and completed an Iron man Triathlon, one of the most grueling activities of all sport, consisting of swimming 2.4 miles, biking 112 miles, and running 26.2 miles in a single day.  Participating in athletic events to reach his goals has helped improve his self-esteem as well as inspire others to do the same. Leo is now devoted to sharing his personal experience and inspiring others, especially children to “commit to get fit.”

            Leo grew up in Chalmette, La. a suburb of New Orleans.  He is the oldest of three sons in a traditional Italian/Irish family where food was a major part of his family life.  He grew up heavy and carried that weigh all the way to adulthood.  The premature death of his father and a divorce only led him down a more destructive path, gaining more weight with every obstacle he encountered. 

            One night in 1999, Leo was conducting a promotion in the French Quarter.  After a night of over eating and drinking he returned home.  Friends woke him for a fishing trip.  Still in his clothes from a few hours before, he changed and left for the day.  He began eating and drinking to excess again.  Once they returned home he fell asleep.  That night he woke up hungry, exhausted and in really bad shape.  He went to the kitchen for water and retired to his room.  He closed the door and saw himself in the mirror and for the first time he really saw himself: a 6’1”, 376 pound, 56” waist, morbidly obese man.  He vowed that if God let him live through the night he would change his life.

            The next day Basile did just that.  He changed everything about himself, focusing on his dietary and exercise habits.  Basile’s “180” philosophy is simple, “Self discipline is the key.  Decide what you want and never look back.”

            Leo has since developed a program suitable for kids of all ages called “One Week of Discipline 180” that inspires kids to eat healthy and get their family active.  It is not a diet, nor a fitness program, but a safe, non-judgmental discussion with kids and parents about their health.  During the week of October 18^th, 2004, One Week of Discipline 180 is joining with all St. Bernard Parish public schools to eliminate junk food and replace these foods with healthy meals and snacks.  The concept is unique and will involve many aspects of the students’ daily activities. 

One Week of Discipline 180 will also include the following elements designed to teach kids and their families how to live healthier:

·        A letter to parents at the beginning of the program along with a tip sheet for kids to take home to parents that encourage them to “unplug the kids”, get active this week and make healthier food choices.

·        Homework assignments for the students to prepare healthy snacks for their family at home during the week.

·        Complimentary healthy food items will be donated to schoolchildren during the week.  Abita Water is donating 9,000 bottles of water for all St. Bernard School children. Charles Franks of Choice Foods is donating several thousand samples of low-fat Sponge bob Square pants milk and low fat pita chips for the children to sample.

·        Whole Food Markets and Morinaga Nutritional Foods, Inc. have joined together t provide all student and their families with information and a coupon good for Mori-Nu Tofu.

·        Leo will conduct a teacher workshop on the program encouraging teachers to promote healthy eating and activities during that week.  Teachers will receive tips on how to work this into the school day.

·        Leo Basile will work in the cafeteria and PE departments of several St. Bernard Parish Public Schools during the week leading up to the event.

Through this event, Leo, is hoping to encourage and inspire children of all ages to become healthier in their daily lives.  Discipline 180 is not only for children; adults are encouraged to participate as well.  Discipline 180 is about incorporating discipline in all your daily endeavors.  “Once you have made the decision to change, set a goal, make a plan and never look back,” says Basile. 

To get more information on Discipline 180 log on to www.discipline180.com or email Leo at leo@discipline180.com